Pakistan proposes activation of SAARC Technical Committee on Health

Pakistan proposes activation of SAARC Technical Committee on Health and Population Activities to control the coronavirus.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Services Dr. Zafar Mirza floated this idea during video conference of SAARC Health Ministers’ Conference.

Pakistan proposes activation of SAARC

While chairing the meeting today, he suggested the activation of the SAARC Technical Committee on Health and Population Activities to control the coronavirus.

He shared Pakistan’s perspective on the issue.

Dr Mirza underscored that South Asia is particularly vulnerable on account of its high population densities, fragile health systems and rudimentary disease surveillance.

He briefed the participants about the containment and relief measures which Pakistan has taken.

He said the National Coordination Committee headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan is fully focused on implementing National Action Plan against Covid-19.

Meanwhile, the meeting discussed issues, including real-time sharing of information and clinical data, capacity building and training of medical and paramedical staff, supply of medicines and medical equipment, research coordination and enhancing cooperation with frontline international organizations including the WHO.

Proposals to fast-track creation of linkages among medical universities, academia and research institutions also came under review.

The participants agreed to work together to adopt international best practices keeping in view the specific socio-economic circumstances of South Asia. It was agreed to enhance cooperation in the health sector, particularly in the context of efforts to combat the virus at the regional level.

All heads of delegations presented their country situations and efforts to contain the outbreak at national levels.

GTV